Ch 139: Princess Qing’s Doing

Before Meng Qingjiao crossed the threshold, Ling Xiao had already recounted the details of the incident at Ningxiang Residence to Shen Yunheng, even including the officials’ private grievances, meticulously presenting them to him.

“Those officials’ wives, after using the Ningxiang Pills from your shop, inexplicably developed itchy rashes. Feeling wronged, they naturally wanted to seek an explanation from the shop. Unexpectedly, you not only ignored them but also used harsh methods, directly arresting them.”

“If I weren’t here, those officials would have probably couldn’t contain themselves and come to demand justice in person.”

“Right now, if you’re willing to release them, sincerely apologize to them, and thoroughly investigate the cause and effect of this matter, giving those who have been wronged a reasonable explanation, you might still be able to salvage the situation and prevent it from worsening.”

As Shen Yunheng’s words grew heavier, each word fell like a boulder on Meng Qingjiao’s heart, causing ripples of disbelief.

She murmured in a low voice, her voice trembling with disbelief: “How is that possible? The Ningxiang Pills sold in my shop are pure and flawless. I use them myself; how could such a thing happen? Someone must be deliberately causing trouble, trying to slander me.”

She completely didn’t believe that the Ningxiang Pills she developed had a problem.

This clearly didn’t happen in her past life.

Besides those with malicious intent deliberately doing this, she couldn’t think of any other reasonable explanation.

As for bowing her head and admitting her mistake, she found it utterly absurd—she was clearly innocent, so why should she unjustly suffer this grievance and apologize to them?

Once she apologizes, how can her Ningxiang Residence shop continue to operate?

She was still planning to open a new shop to sell new goods; she absolutely couldn’t have trouble now.

So those people must be wrong.

Although she thought this way, she knew that she absolutely couldn’t say these words so bluntly to Crown Prince Shen Yunheng.

She bowed her head slightly, her face sincere, “Imperial Brother, rest assured, I will immediately instruct the servants to release them and prepare a thick gift to express my apology.”

Upon hearing this, Shen Yunheng’s expression gradually softened.

Meng Tingyue, standing beside, had a gentle smile on her face and softly said, “No one is perfect; who can be without fault? To err and to correct is the best thing. As long as my sister handles this matter properly, everyone will still trust Ningxiang Residence and patronize the Ningxiang Pills.”

Upon hearing this, a distortion flickered in Meng Qingjiao’s eyes, directly interpreting it as condescending charity and provocation.

Her Ningxiang Residence was one of the most elegant places in Jingdu, with numerous daily visitors and abundant prosperity, loved by countless people. Even without those with malicious intent and deliberate mischief, it was still a popular place sought after by Jingdu’s noble women and socialites.

“Sister is absolutely right,” Meng Qingjiao forced a smile.

Seeing this, Meng Tingyue stopped there and said nothing more.

She knew that with Meng Qingjiao’s intelligence and quick wit, she would certainly understand her meaning and take actions that would satisfy her.

The next morning, sunlight shone through the window frame and fell into Listening to the Rain Pavilion.

She was resting leisurely when she suddenly saw Qinglan excitedly rushing into the courtyard, as if bringing some good news.

“Crown Princess, I accidentally overheard some good news outside and came to share it with you,” Qinglan’s voice was full of uncontainable joy.

“Today, when I passed by Ningxiang Residence, I saw that it was bustling with activity. Curious, I couldn’t help but approach to investigate.”

“At first, I thought Ningxiang Residence had added some new and interesting items that attracted everyone to watch and buy.”

“Who knew it was Princess Qing’s actions that angered many noble ladies and wives.”

Qingdian and Meng Tingyue both looked surprised.

Meng Tingyue inadvertently dropped something in her hand. Her eyes flickered, her curiosity evident, and she softly opened her lips: “Oh? Do you know what she did?”

“It’s quite strange,” Qinglan lowered her voice, adding a touch of mystery, “To make amends, Princess Qing specifically chose the Ningxiang Pills as an apology gift.”

“Unexpectedly, these Ningxiang Pills were the culprit behind the itchy rashes of those noble ladies and wives. Seeing these pills again, how could they bear it? They were all furious and vowed to sever ties with Prince Qing’s Mansion.”

“Even more, they threw the Ningxiang Pills in front of Ningxiang Residence’s threshold to protest.”

Upon hearing this news, Meng Tingyue’s eyes gently curved, a mocking smile appearing in her eyes.

Meng Qingjiao’s various actions had truly refreshed her understanding of her, making her marvel.

I wonder if Prince Qing has woken up from his sleep yet. If he has, he would probably faint again from anger at Meng Qingjiao’s foolish actions.

If this anger attacks his heart, and something really happens, it would be considered removing a major concern for her.

Within Prince Qing’s Mansion, Meng Qingjiao’s actions had already spread to Mu Xia’s ears like a whirlwind.

Mu Xia’s brows were furrowed, as if they could squeeze out water. Meng Qingjiao’s repeated absurd actions were challenging his cognitive limits, shocking him.

Mu Xia was full of confusion, his brows furrowed, murmuring to himself: “The Princess clearly knew that those noble ladies and misses avoided the Ningxiang Pills like the plague. Why would she still send them as an apology gift?”

Wang Qishen stood by the bed, his gaze profound as he stared at Prince Qing’s furrowed brow due to a high fever. His own brows were unconsciously covered with a layer of worry and irritable clouds.

He also wanted to know what the Princess was thinking.

He even more wanted to understand Prince Qing’s inner world. What reason made him so fond of this seemingly foolish woman?

She not only provided no help but might even become a stumbling block on the Prince’s path. How could such a woman win Prince Qing’s favor?

“Does the Princess know about this?” Wang Qishen asked.

Mu Xia replied: “I have already informed the Princess, but she said that such a trivial matter doesn’t need her attention and that we should handle it ourselves.”

Upon hearing this, Wang Qishen felt a surge of anger, nearly unable to catch his breath, his face turning ashen.

What kind of words are those?

Should they clean up the mess she made?

Wang Qishen took a deep breath, his gaze falling on Prince Qing’s pale face.

Wang Qishen suppressed his anger, his gaze falling heavily on Prince Qing’s bloodless face. After a long while, he sighed helplessly and ordered: “Go, get some silver, and then apologize to those noble ladies and wives, making sure to obtain their forgiveness.”

“Yes, Sir,” Mu Xia responded, and hurried away, only to return soon after.

His face was gloomy, as if shrouded in dark clouds. Wang Qishen saw his expression and immediately felt a sense of foreboding.